August 29, 2013-Families with children entering Kindergarten this year are receiving letters from public health nurses reminding them of the immunizations children should have upon entering school.

“Back to school is a busy time of year for families but it is the best time to make sure that a healthy childhood with up-to-date immunizations is checked off the to-do list,” said public health nurse Kari Miller, immunization coordinator for Interlake-Eastern RHA (East).

The Interlake-Eastern RHA is holding evening clinics for children who require pre-school booster immunizations. Visit www.ierha.ca and click on “Evening Clinics - PreSchool Booster Shoots” for clinic times and locations.If you are unsure about your child’s immunization status, Miller encourages you to contact your local public health nurse.

Throughout the school year, public health nurses will be in schools immunizing children in grade 4, girls in grade 6 and students in grade 9. Information on vaccination programs is sent home to parents prior to vaccinations being administered.

“Immunization schedules don’t end when school is over. Adults should be getting a tetanus shot every 10 years and a flu shot annually, especially if their immune systems are compromised,” Miller said. Planning is already underway for the region’s flu clinics that will begin in mid-October.

In addition to maintaining immunizations, Miller identifies hand washing as one of the best ways for children and adults to stay healthy.

“Showing children how to wash their hands properly and encouraging them to keep hands clean is known to prevent the transmission of disease,” Miller said.

Handwashing with soap and water should last for a minimum of 20 seconds. This is roughly the same amount of time it takes to sing the “ABC” song. Miller also recommends teaching children to sneeze and cough into their shirtsleeves instead of their hands.

“The technique of sneezing into a sleeve or elbow is something that more and more families are practicing at home,” Miller said. “The fact is, coughing or sneezing into your hands without a tissue contributes more to spreading germs than coughing into the fabric of your shirt.”

Teaching kids good health habits goes a long way to keeping families healthy. Following these simple tips will help ensure a healthy school year for children, parents and care givers.

Contact your local public health nurse for more information on making the most of back to school and immunizations. Visit www.iehra.ca and click on “About Us” and “Find us” for a listing of community health offices or call 1-877-753-2012 for the public health nurse nearest to you.